Schools across the UK will benefit from the latest
round of openings, including three in East Anglia, two
in the East Midlands, four in Greater London, one in
the North East, four in the North West, one in the
South East, six in the West Midlands, three in
Yorkshire & Humberside, one in Scotland and one in
Wales.
The announcement came as the Defence Secretary had the
opportunity to meet cadets at Phoenix Collegiate School
in West Bromwich and see first-hand the new skills that
students have gained.
Speaking at the event, Defence Secretary said:
Being a cadet offers students unrivalled
opportunities to develop new skills, enjoy
unforgettable life experiences, and be inspired by
our world class Armed Forces.
I’m delighted to announce a new round of cadet units
in schools across the UK, showing our commitment to
ensure students from all backgrounds have the chance
to fulfil their potential.
The cadets I met today impressed me with their
confidence, problem solving and teamwork – skills
that will stand them in good stead in the future.
Phoenix Collegiate was approved in the last wave of
cadet units, and has been on parade now for over a
year.
The latest round of cadet units ensures the Government
remains on target to have a total of 500 running in the
UK by 2020. 418 cadet units are already up and running
and this latest wave takes the total approved units to
453. Many are opened in less prosperous areas where
opportunities for cadet units were previously limited.
The Cadet Expansion Programme is backed by £50 million
funding from Libor fines, which covers set up costs,
uniforms, equipment and training. The benefits of the
cadet experience were highlighted in an independent
report published by Northamptonshire University, which
found that being a cadet can increase social mobility
and help disadvantaged children reach their potential.
MP is also
conducting independent research into how schools can
best utilise their cadet units; assessing the benefits
of having a military ethos and values in schools
provides to its pupils. The findings will be completed
by the end of September 2018.
